Covington lost a treasure March 6 when Alice Matz passed away.

The longtime resident of the area left a legacy of community service and spirit hailed by all who were touched by her.

Mayor Margaret Harto announced at the March 10 City Council meeting that Matz died.

Matz was a member of Covington’s first City Council, which convened in 1997 when meetings were held at Godfather’s Pizza. She was a leading proponent with Rebecca Clark and others in gathering the signatures for incorporation of the city and getting the issue placed on the ballot. It passed November 1996.

She was also a fire commissioner for District 37 from 1978 to 1983.

“She was quite an individual,” Clark said. “The best thing about her is you always knew where you stood. That is something I really grew to appreciate about her.”

Harto said Matz believed strongly in “the development of the downtown. She didn’t want someone in Seattle making decisions. She wanted it our way. And she was a strong advocate for parks. She pushed for the first community park and she was proud of that park.”

Those who worked with Matz did not always agree with her, but all respected her honest, straight-forward manner.

Harto said Matz never “wavered in her commitment to the community. We didn’t always agree, but there was always mutual respect.”

Her dedication to her community and the people in it never wavered during her life.

“We ended up on different sides of the fence,” Clark said. “But we could always talk. She stood on her convictions. That was what was fabulous about her. Because she was so outspoken some thought she was gruff, but she was very caring. I really loved Alice. She was just a good person.”

Matz was 73 and was born March 9, 1935. According to a release from the fire district, Matz died from cancer.

“I ran into her in the grocery store about three months ago and the two of us stood in the dairy aisle and caught up,” Clark said. “It was really good to see her. She had serious health issues, but she was always there. She was a very strong individual. That was the last time I saw her.”

Fire District 37 Chaplain Pat Ellis said a service has been scheduled for April 18 at Covington Fire Station 78, 180th Street Southeast and Southeast 256th Street.

The time of the service had not been decided by press deadline.

Check The Reporter’s Web site, www.covingtonreporter.com, for an update on the service.